Robert D. Putnam: Our Kids: The American Dream in CrisisSobering insight into the decline of the American dream among lower income families and what can be done about it. Early investments are key, such as high-quality preschool and home visitation programs. Seattle gets it right.

Joe Guppy: My Fluorescent GodThis is a compelling, funny, tragic and revealing personal story from a Seattle writer about his plunge into mental crisis. Joe is honest and direct. His experience is his own, but could happen to any of us.

Robert Coles: Lives We Carry with Us: Profiles of Moral CourageColes is the former Harvard professor who wrote "Children in Crisis" for which he won the Pulitzer Prize. He profiles 12 individuals here, including Bruce Springsteen, Dorothy Day, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Simone Weil. Good stories of compelling leadership.

December 04, 2013

Encouraging Whistleblowing, Discouraging Retaliation

This morning my committee passed legislation that encourages and affirms the important role of public employee whistleblowers.

The most important part of the bill moves the investigation of retaliation claims from the Mayor’s office to the independent Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC). The current whistleblower code directs an employee to report retaliation to the Mayor’s office, which can then ask the employee’s department—often the original alleged retaliator—to investigate. Shifting the investigatory responsibilities to the independent SEEC strengthens confidentiality protections and the integrity of the investigation.

The legislation changes the definition of a whistleblower to include employees who are perceived to have reported improper governmental activity. It also gives protection from retaliation if they try to report improper action first within their departments rather than the SEEC.

Furthermore, the legislation expands the remedies available to employees should they prove retaliation, including emotional distress damages of up to $20,000. Employees who have submitted a timely and sufficient complaint to the SEEC may also file a civil action in court should their position as a whistleblower lead them to not trust the City’s administrative process.

Public service is a high calling and we must hold ourselves to high standards. By clarifying employee rights, responsibilities and protections, we allow City employees to proudly serve the public interest without fear of retaliation.

Comments

Encouraging Whistleblowing, Discouraging Retaliation

This morning my committee passed legislation that encourages and affirms the important role of public employee whistleblowers.

The most important part of the bill moves the investigation of retaliation claims from the Mayor’s office to the independent Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC). The current whistleblower code directs an employee to report retaliation to the Mayor’s office, which can then ask the employee’s department—often the original alleged retaliator—to investigate. Shifting the investigatory responsibilities to the independent SEEC strengthens confidentiality protections and the integrity of the investigation.